Junkers Ju.87 Stuka | W.Nr.7060 | 239-10

Operator

239 Squdriglia, 97 Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo

Aircraft model

Ju.87R-2

Gela (Caltanissetta), Sicily, summer 1942. On November 1942, after a number of accidents and sudden losses, it was found on close inspection that all Picchiatelli had exceeded their fatigue lives, and their wings could no longer take the strain of dive bombing. A restructuring of the RA gruppi flying the Picchiatello was undertaken in early 1942, creating both 102 Gruppo (with 209 and 239 Squadriglie) and 103 Gruppo (with 207 and 237 Squadriglie), which were to be converted to the Ju 87D-3 at Lonate Pozzolo. Note the insignia of 97 Gruppo, a bomb-carrying white duck diving on a ship, painted on the wheel spats of this aircraft. (Camouflage: RLM71 Dunkelgrun upper surfaces with RLM65 Hellblau under-sides).